Home Blog Page 53

Playson partners with Mohegan Digital for Ontario iGaming debut on PlayFallsview

AGBrief Editorial
-
0
Playson partners with Mohegan Digital for Ontario iGaming debut on PlayFallsview

Playson has strengthened its footprint in Ontario after signing a partnership agreement with Mohegan Digital, operator of the PlayFallsview.com online casino.

The agreement will see Playson’s portfolio made available to local players, with the launch anticipated for early Q2 2026. The partnership extends the supplier’s North American footprint by aligning with one of the region’s most recognisable and successful tribal gaming operators in Mohegan.

Play Fallsview is the online platform for the beautiful Mohegan-managed Fallsview Casino Resort in Niagara Falls, Ontario, CA.

Players on Play Fallsview will gain access to a selection of Playson’s high-performing titles, including Coin Strike: Hold and Win, Diamonds Power XXL: Hold and Win and 4 Pots Riches: Hold and Win. Each of Playson’s games deliver immersive mechanics, strong visual identity and proven player retention.

By launching via Light & Wonder’s platform, the integration ensures a seamless rollout and reliable delivery of content to the regulated market.

“Fallsview is an iconic entertainment destination and a fantastic partner for us as we continue to grow our presence in Ontario,” said Conor Jenner, Senior Sales Manager at Playson. “Launching through our long-term partners Light & Wonder allows us to deliver our most engaging titles efficiently and at scale. We’re excited to bring our popular content to Fallsview’s players and build a strong relationship together.”

The collaboration marks another strategic step forward for Playson as it continues to pair its performance-driven portfolio with trusted casino brands across key global jurisdictions.

Rich Roberts, President of Mohegan Digital, shared: “Playson’s portfolio provides popular and in-demand additions to offerings on Play Fallsview. Through this collaboration, we look forward to impressive production value with gameplay that is sure to resonate with players. Playson is a premier supplier with experience in regulated markets that aligns seamlessly with our approach to digital growth in Ontario.”

DigiPlus says hotel acquisition under evaluation, no definitive deals

Viviana Chan
-
0
DigiPlus says hotel acquisition under evaluation, no definitive deals

DigiPlus Interactive Corp. has responded to reports of a potential acquisition of the Diamond Hotel, saying it is ‘exploring opportunities to expand into adjacent and complementary segments’ but has not completed any transactions.

In response to a request for clarification from the Philippine Stock Exchange, DigiPlus said the potential moves are aligned with its long-term strategy to develop a ‘robust gaming and digital entertainment ecosystem,’ but stressed that ‘these plans remain under evaluation, and no definitive transactions have been made.’

The response came after Insider PH reported on May 4th, 2026, that DigiPlus had approached Ramon S. Ang — chairman and chief executive of San Miguel Corp — about acquiring his privately held Diamond Hotel Philippines for what sources described as a multibillion-peso sum. The report cited several insiders who confirmed the talks, although one noted that Ang has rebuffed multiple offers for the 480-room, five-star waterfront property.

The Diamond Hotel sits on a seafront lot along Roxas Boulevard in Manila’s Malate district, adjacent to the New Coast Hotel Manila, which DigiPlus is already in the process of acquiring through a convertible notes deal with International Entertainment Corp (IEC). The two hotels are connected by a roof bridge.

Daily Asia Gaming eBrief: Macau GGR outlook gets boost from baccarat side bets

AGBrief Editorial
-
0
Daily Asia Gaming eBrief: Macau GGR outlook gets boost from baccarat side bets
Good morning. The house always wins — especially when it changes the rules. Macau’s six concessionaires have rolled out a new wave of baccarat side bets carrying a 16 to 18 percent house advantage, compared with roughly 1 percent on main bets, a development Citigroup says could become a significant new lever for GGR growth. The investment bank’s Labor Day survey also counted 58 high-rollers — the highest in 2026 — and recorded Premium Mass wagers of $2.94 million, the second-highest level this year. Meanwhile, in the Philippines, DigiPlus Interactive is reportedly in talks to acquire Diamond Hotel Philippines — a 480-room seafront property on Roxas Boulevard in Manila — which would allow it to consolidate two adjacent Manila Bay properties into a single integrated resort site alongside its New Coast Hotel acquisition. Looking to Clark, Belle Corp confirmed discussions with three to four foreign operators, including Melco Resorts & Entertainment, for a $300 million integrated resort in the Clark Special Economic Zone.

What you need to know

On the radar

AGB Intelligence

MACAU

Baccarat, Premium Mass, macau gaming

Higher house edge side bets add upside to Macau GGR outlook

Citigroup said Macau’s newly introduced baccarat side bets could support GGR growth due to an estimated higher house edge of 16 to 18 percent, compared with around 1 percent on the main Banker and Player bets, with all six concessionaires rolling out the products. Premium mass activity remained resilient, with $2.94 million in wagers recorded during the Labor Day survey, marking the second-highest level of 2026 and remaining broadly flat year-over-year after adjusting for unusually large bets in the prior period.

Industry Updates

INTELLIGENCE | ASEAN | AWARDS | CAREERS | EVENTS

LVS issues $1B bonds to refinance 2026 notes after S&P upgrade

Viviana Chan
-
0
LVS issues $1B bonds to refinance 2026 notes after S&P upgrade

Las Vegas Sands Corp. is issuing 5- and 7-year unsecured bonds at the parent holding company level to refinance $1 billion of notes maturing in August 2026 and to support general corporate purposes, including share repurchases.

The move follows a recent credit rating upgrade by S&P.

According to CBRE Credit Research, the new issuance is being conducted through the company’s parent entity (LVSC) after S&P upgraded Las Vegas Sands’ corporate family rating by one notch to BBB from BBB-. Debt instrument ratings now stand at BBB-/Baa3/BBB. The refinancing targets existing 3.5 percent unsecured notes due in August 2026.

The upgrade reflects what S&P described as a prudent financial policy and increased confidence that the company’s capital expenditure program will not result in sustained higher leverage. This assessment is partly linked to Las Vegas Sands’ earlier withdrawal from the Downstate New York casino licensing process and the low likelihood of casino legalization in Texas in the near term.

CBRE noted that Las Vegas Sands maintains a ‘strong command of leverage,’ with gross consolidated leverage at 3.1 times as of the first quarter of 2026 and net leverage at 2.6 times. These levels are broadly consistent with pre-pandemic positioning in 2019.

The report also highlighted that the parent holding company, despite being asset-light following the divestment of its Las Vegas assets, continues to benefit from strong underlying equity value in its Macau and Singapore operations, as well as material royalty fee income of approximately $350 million annualized in the first quarter of 2026.

CBRE added that debt across the Las Vegas Sands capital structure remains among the ‘tightest’ in the gaming sector, reflecting investment-grade credit metrics and a stable financial policy. LVSC and subsidiary debt trade largely in line, supported by the ability to move cash across the group and ongoing contributions from Singapore operations.

Ainsworth confirms Kjerulf Ainsworth holds 8.24% following takeover offer close

Viviana Chan
-
0
Ainsworth confirms Kjerulf Ainsworth holds 8.24% following takeover offer close

Ainsworth Game Technology said in an update to the Australian Securities Exchange on Tuesday, May 5th, that Kjerulf David Hastings Ainsworth (KDHA) held 8.24 percent of the company’s voting power following the close of his proportional takeover offer.

The unsolicited proportional off-market offer, which sought to acquire 5.5 percent of each shareholder’s ordinary shares not already owned by KDHA, closed at 7:00 pm Sydney time on April 27th, 2026, the company said.

Ainsworth disclosed that KDHA’s voting power stood at 8.24 percent at the conclusion of the offer period, positioning him as the company’s second-largest shareholder.

According to the filing, Novomatic AG remained the controlling shareholder with 67.39 percent of issued shares.

The takeover bid forms part of a broader push by Kjerulf Ainsworth to influence governance at the company. In a supplementary bidder’s statement released prior to the offer’s close, he raised concerns over board structure, shareholder rights and capital management.

Lawrence Levy
Lawrence Levy

He indicated support for tightening director remuneration and disclosure requirements, while opposing the renewal of proportional takeover provisions, arguing such measures could limit opportunities for shareholders to sell their holdings.

Kjerulf Ainsworth has also nominated former chief executive Lawrence Levy as an independent non-executive director, with the intention of later backing his appointment as chairman, citing the need for continuity and strategic direction.

In addition, he has signaled plans to pursue changes to the company’s constitution to mandate dividend payments, noting that Ainsworth has not paid dividends since October 2018 despite reporting growth.

The developments come amid a long-running control dynamic with Novomatic, which has held a majority stake since 2018.

Kjerulf Ainsworth is the sixth son of Len Ainsworth, founder of the company, and has long been a significant shareholder, although he does not hold an executive role.

Aristocrat Gaming puts the spotlight on Baron Upright at G2E Asia 2026

AGBrief Editorial
-
0
Aristocrat Gaming puts the spotlight on Baron Upright at G2E Asia 2026

Aristocrat Gaming revealed it will present at G2E Asia 2026 a diverse lineup of innovative, Asia‑exclusive content while unveiling the Baron Upright cabinet, an eye‑catching hardware innovation already making an impact on gaming floors worldwide.

G2E Asia 2026 will be held from 12-14 May at the Venetian Macao Expo Hall and Aristocrat Gaming will be located at booth A1048.

The Baron Upright cabinet has surpassed over 10,000 installs across ANZ and is bringing a new type of energy to gaming floors across the globe. With its dynamic lighting, vivid graphics and cinematic audio, it brings Aristocrat Gaming titles to life, maximising operator performance and player experience.

Aristocrat Gaming
Aristocrat Gaming
Aristocrat Gaming

Also on display, the debut of 5 Dragons Link will build on the unrivaled legacy of the 5 Dragons franchise as an Asia-first release on the Baron Upright cabinet. The title integrates modern Hold & Spin mechanics and bespoke metamorphic features to drive floor performance and player engagement in the region.

Following record-breaking player adoption across international markets, the stand will feature Thunder Empire in Asia. This isn’t just a new title; it’s a global entertainment experience that has consistently outperformed expectations in the markets where it strikes.

Kurt Gissane, Chief Revenue Officer for Aristocrat Gaming, said, “Asia continues to be a strategic priority for our company and G2E Asia is the perfect opportunity to demonstrate the powerful portfolio we have to help drive our operator’s businesses further…From the launch of the all-new The Baron Upright cabinet to the incredible titles that are ready to make their way onto gaming floors, we’re excited to showcase our commitment to delivering innovative and tailored gaming experiences for our customers in the region.”

Attendees at G2E Asia will have the opportunity to preview Bao Zhu Zhao Fu Ignite, the latest evolution of the popular franchise featuring a dynamic feature‑in‑feature experience, alongside exclusive new MarsX content for Dragon Link and Dragon Cash, two world‑leading titles setting new benchmarks for operators and players.

Rounding out the Asia-focused lineup is the Asia debut of Lian Kai Xian Fu, alongside strong-performing spooky favourite Mo’ Mummy, delivering a diverse mix of themes, volatility, and gameplay styles designed to appeal across the region.

Galaxy Gaming secures continued worldwide rights to Perfect Pairs online

AGBrief Editorial
-
0
Galaxy Gaming secures continued worldwide rights to Perfect Pairs online

Galaxy Gaming has announced a multi-year extension of its agreement with Netco Ltd., the owners of the Perfect Pairs side bet intellectual property, reaffirming its exclusive global online distribution rights for the popular blackjack and baccarat side bet.

Under the terms of the extended agreement, Galaxy Gaming will continue to offer Perfect Pairs exclusively to online casino operators (B2C) and developers (B2B) worldwide, across Live Dealer and RNG table games.

The extension reinforces the long-standing relationship between Galaxy Gaming and Netco and reflects the continued strong performance and player demand for the Perfect Pairs brand in the online gaming market. Galaxy Gaming also distributes Perfect Pairs to land-based casino operators around the world through a separate agreement with Netco.

Perfect-Pairs-side-bet-Galaxy-Gaming

Perfect Pairs remains one of the most widely recognized and successful blackjack and baccarat side bets in the online gaming market, offering players multiple payouts based on whether their first two cards form a Mixed Pair, Colored Pair, or Perfect Pair. The side bet has achieved broad adoption globally and continues to be a staple offering among online casino operators.

“Perfect Pairs is one of the industry’s most enduring and successful side bets and extending our agreement with Netco underscores the strength of the brand and our shared commitment to its continued growth online,” shared Matt Reback, President and CEO of Galaxy Gaming. “We are thrilled to continue to Deal Excitement by bringing this iconic game to players around the world.”

Commenting on the strategic partnership, John Wicks, CEO of Netco and inventor of Perfect Pairs, said, “By partnering with Galaxy Gaming, Netco aligns our market-leading game with the world’s premier independent licensor of proprietary table games. They are the ideal partner to progress our expansion, given their proven market expertise and established distribution networks. Galaxy has proven to be an exceptional distribution partner for Perfect Pairs through both online and land-based channels. This extension allows us to build on the strong momentum of the brand while ensuring consistent, high-quality deployment across global online platforms.”

The renewed agreement supports Galaxy Gaming’s broader strategy to expand its proprietary content portfolio across global markets while maintaining strong, long-term relationships with IP owners and content partners.

DigiPlus eyes another hotel acquisition, close to New Coast Hotel: report

Viviana Chan
-
0
DigiPlus eyes another hotel acquisition, close to New Coast Hotel: report

DigiPlus Interactive Corp. is reportedly in talks to acquire the Diamond Hotel Philippines in Manila, as the online gambling firm moves to consolidate a major integrated resort development along Manila Bay.

According to a report by local media outlet Insider PH, the company, chaired by Eusebio Tanco, has offered a multibillion-peso sum for the five-star waterfront property, which is part of the private portfolio of Ramon S. Ang, chairman and chief executive of Philippine conglomerate San Miguel Corp. The report cited several insiders who confirmed the discussions, though one source noted that Ang has rebuffed multiple offers for the hotel to date. Recent talks have centered on pricing, with a potential deal expected to deliver Ang a significant return over his original purchase price.

DigiPlus eyes another hotel acquisition, close to New Coast Hotel: report
Diamond Hotel Philippines in Manila

The Diamond Hotel Philippines sits on a seafront lot along Roxas Boulevard in the Malate district, overlooking Manila Bay. The property features around 480 rooms and suites and was originally constructed by Japan’s Shimizu Corp., opening in the early 1990s with Japanese operational involvement.

DigiPlus, known for popular gambling platforms BingoPlus and ArenaPlus, is separately closing its acquisition of International Entertainment Corp. (IEC), the Hong Kong-listed company that operates New Coast Hotel Manila, formerly the Hyatt Regency Hotel & Casino Manila, located on an adjacent block to Diamond Hotel along the Manila Bay corridor. Acquiring Diamond Hotel would allow DigiPlus to consolidate both properties into a single contiguous Manila Bay site. The two hotels are already connected by a roof bridge, making the expansion logistically straightforward.

International Entertainment, New Coast Hotel
New Coast Hotel Manila

DigiPlus is in the process of acquiring IEC through a convertible notes deal totalling 1.6 billion Hong Kong dollars ($205.1 million). The first tranche of 800 million Hong Kong dollars ($102.6 million) was completed on March 3rd, 2026, with a second tranche of equal value expected to follow within three months. IEC holds a provisional license from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) to develop and operate an integrated casino resort in Manila until 2033 and has committed to invest between $1 billion and $1.2 billion to expand its operations.

DigiPlus’s financial position appears capable of supporting the ambition. The company posted a full-year 2025 net income of PHP12.6 billion ($220 million), broadly stable year-on-year, while revenue rose 12 percent to PHP84.2 billion ($1.47 billion). Its cash position grew nearly 70 percent to PHP23.4 billion ($408 million) as of the end of 2025.

The Manila Bay corridor has attracted growing redevelopment interest in recent years, with Diamond Hotel’s seafront location and land footprint adding to its strategic value for gaming and hospitality operators.

Bloomberry’s head of gaming Cyrus Sherafat to depart in August

AGBrief Editorial
-
0
Bloomberry’s head of gaming Cyrus Sherafat to depart in August

Bloomberry Resorts Corporation said Cyrus Sherafat, Executive Vice President and Head of Gaming, will resign effective August 31st, 2026.

The Philippines-listed company disclosed the development in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission dated April 30th, 2026. Sherafat tendered his resignation on that date, citing personal reasons.

Sherafat has held the role of Executive Vice President, Head of Gaming since July 2022, according to his LinkedIn profile. He joined Bloomberry in 2014 and held several senior roles in casino marketing prior to his current position. Before that, he worked in casino marketing at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore.

No successor has been announced. The company also confirmed that no appointment or change in designation has been made in connection with his departure.

Bloomberry operates Solaire Resort & Casino in Entertainment City, Parañaque City, one of the Philippines’ integrated resorts licensed by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation.

Liga MX taps Genius Sports for AI-powered future of Mexican soccer

AGBrief Editorial
-
0
Liga MX taps Genius Sports for AI-powered future of Mexican soccer

Genius Sports has entered into a major technology and AI partnership with Liga MX, with its GeniusIQ platform powering a comprehensive suite of fan engagement, sponsorship and performance solutions.

As the operating system of modern sport, Genius Sports has deployed GeniusIQ, its data and AI platform, across every Liga MX stadium. GeniusIQ creates a real-time understanding of soccer, combining rich tracking, video and insights to then power real-time advertising activations, augmented broadcasts, semi-automated offsides and data-driven coaching tools.

Connecting brands

Genius Sports’ Moment Engine will enable Liga MX sponsors and brands to activate real-time advertising around key moments in games. For example, immediately after a crucial goal, save or substitution, brands can trigger moment-driven campaigns across live broadcasts, digital and streaming.

Liga MX

Already live across the NFL and NBA, the Moment Engine will now enable Liga MX sponsors to act on fan attention and drive a new era of immersive advertising when the live action is at its most compelling.

Augmented, data-driven broadcasts

In partnership with Liga MX and its suite of domestic and international broadcasters, Genius Sports will power augmented altcasts to engage the next generation of fan. Real-time game insights including shot and player speeds, player names, pitch minimaps, number of tackles and much more, will be integrated directly into live broadcasts for millions of fans.

GeniusIQ-by-Genius-Sports

GeniusIQ has a complete, semantic understanding of what is happening on the pitch at any moment. Because it can automatically detect what counts as a shot on goal, it immediately serves a shot speed statistic in real-time, along with a sponsor’s advertising at the opportune moment.

A new era of semi-automated offsides

Launched at the start of the ongoing 2026 Clausura season, GeniusIQ is powering the leading Semi-Automated Offside Technology (“SAOT”) in world soccer in Liga MX. When a potential offside incident occurs, the technology automates the kick point and alerts the VAR operators. Genius Sports’ system then delivers a clear 3D render showing an exact offside plane, removing the need for manual lines and providing a decision visual with the best possible angle within seconds.

Also used across the Premier League and Belgian Pro League, Genius Sports’ SAOT has already driven significant improvements across Mexican soccer with fast, transparent decisions.

Rich performance analytics at coaches’ fingertips

Liga MX teams will be equipped with Genius Sports’ Performance Studio, the most advanced analytics and video platform in world soccer.

“At Liga MX, we are very happy to close this partnership with Genius Sports, as it represents a significant step in elevating our competition to the standards of the world’s leading leagues,” said Edgar Martínez, VP of Content at FMF. “From a sporting perspective, SAOT technology enhances fairness and transparency on the field. At the same time, from a fan and consumption standpoint, the use of advanced data and augmented reality integrations will transform how audiences experience the game.”

Coaches and analysts from each team will have access to a suite of performance and analytics tools to enhance everything from training to tactics and player development. This includes Genius Sports’ state-of-the-art ProView3D feature, which enables coaches to step into their players’ shoes and review critical match moments, such as a striker before taking a shot or a fullback preparing for a 1v1.

“Liga MX is the most-watched soccer league in the United States and a growing force in North American sport,” added Sean Conroy, EVP, North America at Genius Sports. “The deployment of our next-generation data and AI platform, GeniusIQ, will connect every part of that ecosystem, delivering world-leading SAOT while enriching the broadcast and creating premium new commercial inventory for sponsors. This partnership gives Liga MX the infrastructure to grow the league on and off the field.”

1...525354...1,809Page 53 of 1,809